Empowering Independence Across London
We are a community-led organization dedicated to providing individuals with disabilities the resources, advocacy, and support needed to live with dignity and autonomy.
Committed to Empowering Individuals
At The Independent Living Centre London and Area, we are a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities. We believe that every person deserves the opportunity to live a life without barriers, and we are here to help make that possible. Through peer support, direct funding assistance, and advocacy, we work to break down the barriers that people with disabilities often face in everyday life.
It was in the 1960s that a handful of student "consumers" (people with disabilities who use, or "consume" services related to disability needs) attending the University of California defined a non-medical, non-charity approach to disabilities.
Consumers, the students argued, are not sick or in need of a cure. They developed principles of independent living associated with attendant services:
• Consumers should be integrated as fully as possible into communities.
• Those who best know the needs of consumers and how to meet those needs are consumers, themselves.
• The needs of consumers can be met most effectively by comprehensive programs, which provide a variety of services.
The principles and philosophy spread throughout North America and the world, leading to the founding of Independent Living Resource Centres (ILRCs) established with federal government funding. There are now 12 ILRCs in Ontario and a total of 28 across Canada.
Only a few decades ago, users of attendant services in Ontario were generally limited to two options: residing in supportive housing or using Attendant Outreach services.
Some consumers, wanting greater choice, control and flexibility than they were receiving from these programs, began strategizing about a consumer-driven partnership between consumers and the provincial government that would allow funds for attendant services to flow directly to individuals.
Such an arrangement, they felt, would more fully meet consumers' needs to exercise full responsibility, independence and self-determination regarding attendant services; to live outside designated housing or catchment areas; to have more control over who would provide the most personal of assistance on a daily basis and over the human relationships involved; and to receive the amount of service needed, as well as exercise flexibility over scheduling their services.
Amid this period of strategizing, the government commissioned a review of Ontario's attendant services in 1988. Among other recommendations, the report, "Independence and Control: Today's Dream, Tomorrow's Reality," indicated the need to provide a direct funding option.
History
During the summer of 1992, the province of Ontario's Minister of Health met with the Coalition and indicated a commitment to test this service model, with Independent Living Centres playing a key role in managing the proposed pilot project. A steering committee consisting of government policy people, political staff from three ministries, and consumers of attendant services worked collaboratively on the government policy paper for the direct funding pilot.
1990
In May 1990, the Attendant Care Action Coalition (ACAC), the Centre for independent living in Toronto (CILT) and London Cheshire Homes organized the first-ever provincial attendant services consumer conference, at Woodeden Camp near London, Ontario. It brought together consumers and their attendants, researchers, Independent Living Centre members, government officials and service providers. ACAC/CILT completed a position paper and a proposed model for direct individualized funding for attendant services. Together with the Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres (CAILC), they sent a summary letter to the government.
1992
1993
In 1993, after years of negotiating by consumers and their advocates through three provincial election periods and as many different parties in power, the Ministry of Community and Social Services Act (Bill 101) was amended to enable direct funding.
1994
The following year, at a consumer conference on attendant services held at Woodeden Camp, the Minister of Health announced that funding had been approved for a pilot Direct Funding project to be run by CILT and the Ontario Network of Independent Living Centres. The London Independent Centre started its registration process and was a registered charity by 1995.
1997
The provincial government allocated $4.4 million for the two-year pilot project starting in 1994. The Toronto Centre was chosen as the administrator of the pilot due to its experience with large-budget projects and helping consumers find suitable attendant services. By 1997, 102 consumers were participating in the pilot; all participants took a leap of faith by giving up their rights to use other types of publicly-funded attendant services in favour of hiring and managing their own attendant services through direct funding. In a subsequent evaluation of the pilot, self-managers (as the program participants are called) reported increased self-determination in all aspects of their lives, a reduced sense of vulnerability, greater independence, a stronger sense of self-esteem, more fulfilling personal relationships and greater social participation.
1998
In 1998 the Ontario government increased the Direct Funding budget to $18.7 million and transformed it from a pilot to a full-fledged program with approximately 700 participants. The number of participants has remained at about 700 since 1998, with about 300 on the waiting list. A funding increase announced in late 2011 was aimed at reducing the wait list and enabling up to 50 more consumers to become self-managers.
2011
In 2011, the Ministry of Health announced plans to transfer the administration of the Direct Funding program to the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (TCLHIN). This administrative shift meant that CILT receives its Ministry funds through the TCLHIN and is accountable and reports to the TCLHIN instead of directly to the Ministry. CILT also negotiated a three-year agreement with TCLHIN that describes the Direct Funding program, its conception, spells out its unique features and provides demographic statistics so the program is protected in writing and can continue as it is now.
2024
The ILCLA said a grateful goodbye to Pamela Quesnel, its Executive Director, who had been serving the Centre for 25+ years, and welcomed their new Executive Director, Gigi Aggarwal. The centre experienced a lot of change in 2024, moving locations closer into the community and continuing to grow its impact across the region.
Our Board and Staff Members
Meet the dedicated team at the Independent Living Centre London, committed to providing compassionate advocacy and direct support for individuals with disabilities.
Marie Ross
Marie Ross is a passionate leader committed to creating meaningful change and lasting progress within the community. With experience serving on several boards, she brings a thoughtful perspective focused on innovation, collaboration, and growth for the centre. Marie believes strong leadership begins with listening, empowering others, and creating inclusive opportunities for everyone involved. Her dedication to advocacy, connection, and positive impact continues to inspire those around her while strengthening the organization’s vision for the future for all community members involved.
PRESIDENT
Kris Jacques
Kris is a kind-hearted individual and proud self-manager within the Direct Funding program offered through the centre. He represents the purpose of the program by demonstrating independence, confidence, and community involvement every day. Kris is known for his warm personality, welcoming spirit, and ability to brighten every room he enters. Through his lived experience, he encourages others to embrace their strengths, pursue personal goals, and recognize the value of accessible, person-directed support within the community with compassion and encouragement daily.
BOARD MEMBER
Elysa Spetgang
Elysa is a fun-loving and community-focused individual who brings fresh insight and youthful energy to the ILCLA board. Passionate about creating meaningful change, she is dedicated to supporting initiatives that strengthen inclusion, accessibility, and connection for everyone involved. Elysa values collaboration, compassion, and uplifting diverse voices throughout the community. Through her role on the board, she hopes to help create a vibrant environment where individuals feel supported, empowered, respected, and inspired to thrive together each day within the organization today.
BOARD MEMBER
Aaron Brotherton
VOLUNTEER oPERATIONS manager
Noel is a dedicated member of the Independent Living Centre London community who brings warmth, reliability, and a calm presence to every interaction. With a strong belief in person-directed support, Noel focuses on listening first and helping individuals explore options that fit their unique goals and daily lives. They enjoy building genuine connections, celebrating small wins, and making sure everyone feels seen, respected, and included. Noel’s steady support helps create a welcoming environment where people can grow with confidence.
Volunteer@ilcla.ca
Gigi Aggarwal
Executive Director & Direct Funding Program Coordinator
Gigi is deeply committed to empowering individuals to live life on their own terms with dignity and independence. Guided by values of equity and person-directed care, she leads the organization with compassion, innovation, and a vision for meaningful growth. Gigi is especially passionate about the Direct Funding Program and the freedom it provides individuals to manage their own care and support staff. Through her leadership, the program continues transforming lives while fostering confidence, choice, inclusion, and opportunities throughout the community.
ED@ilcla.ca
Suruchi Jain
Peer Support Program Coordinator
Suruchi plays an important role in building meaningful connections among people with disabilities while fostering a strong and supportive community. She believes peer support goes beyond conversation by empowering individuals through shared experiences, reducing isolation, and building confidence through understanding and respect. Suruchi designs and facilitates programs that encourage learning, collaboration, and lasting friendships among participants navigating independent living. Her dedication creates welcoming spaces where lived experience is valued and individuals feel encouraged, supported, and empowered to grow together confidently.
info@ilcla.ca